A tiny free desktop OS for old PCs that still want to do something useful.
HamsterOS is the free starting point: a self-booting graphical desktop with files, tools, games, networking, updates, and a hard-disk installer. Try it, test it, tell us what breaks, and help make classic computers feel lively again.
Need checksums or hardware details? See the technical information page.
Support the little guy
HamsterOS is free. Extras keeps it moving.
If HamsterOS makes you smile, grab Hamster Extras. Your purchase funds real-hardware testing, new drivers, better docs, and the weird joyful work of keeping old computers useful.
Get HCommand, HamWrite, HamSheets, Hamster Golf, Might of the Hamster and More!
New: command Blue forces across a huge scrolling battlefield in HCommand. Harvest resources, construct a base, train an army, and challenge the computer or another commander on your local network.
HamsterOS includes HamNet for classic plain HTTP and ProtoWeb browsing. The same app can activate the optional HamNet+ hosted service, which transforms modern public HTTPS pages into something a classic computer can handle. Extras is not required.
New in Beta 2
Chat, share, and better real-hardware support.
HamChat + HamShare
HamChat brings free encrypted friend messaging to the main image. HamShare moves files between a hard-drive installation and a Windows PC through a simple two-way companion portal.
Faster on 386/486 hardware
Faster graphics presentation and disk transfers join leaner event handling, smoother input, and a more detailed Task Manager.
More hardware support
Beta 2 expands IBM PS/2 and SCSI support, adds compatible UHCI USB keyboards and mice, RTL8100C/RTL8139 Ethernet, and board watchdog support for the Axiomtek SBC82621.
Safer hard-disk upgrades
Leave Your Files Intact preserves personal files and existing DOS/Windows programs while installing the FreeDOS boot system and current HamsterOS startup files.
Boot a 32-bit graphical desktop from a free 1.44 MB image, with no hard disk required.
Built for classic PCs
Designed for 386-class and newer machines with VGA, 2 MB+ RAM, floppy boot, and BIOS-era hardware. HamsterOS_CGA is coming soon for earlier machines.
Useful out of the box
File Manager, Notepad, games, tools, Long File Name support, HamsterNet, CD support, hard-disk install, and update support are all part of the experience.
HamNet Internet Browser Included
With HamNet, browse HTTP sites with ease, including Gemini and ProtoWeb. Or sign up for HamNet+ and browse the modern web on a 486 or faster with 4 MB of RAM.
Extras make it bigger
Hamster Extras adds HamsterWrite, HamsterSheets, the full updater, extra games, help, fonts, templates, and savers.
Retro hardware friendly
Supports vintage sound and networking, including SoundBlaster-class audio, ISA Ethernet, and PicoMEM/PicoMEM 2 sound and network features.
MP3 playback on classic hardware
The Audio Player handles MP3 files, Audio CDs, playback controls, and a 10-band spectrum view inside the HamsterOS desktop.
Screenshots
Desktop with Programs menu, File Manager, mounted drives, and Audio CD Player
HamsterNet browsing the SMOLNET Portal
Audio Player playing an MP3 file with spectrum display
HamsterWrite word processor
Control Panel mouse settings
Usable beta
Try it, test it, help shape it.
HamsterOS is available and usable today, but still in beta. Bug reports, hardware notes, and oddball test results are welcome. Extras purchases go back into development, compatibility, and real machine testing.
Technical information
Want the deep details?
Hardware lists, shortcuts, storage behavior, apps, games, audio, networking, and release notes are on the technical information page.
